The National Security Council (NSC) called on Israeli citizens to leave Arugam Bay and the southern and western coastal areas of Sri Lanka immediately. The National Security Council (NSC) has issued a travel warning to Sri Lanka on Wednesday 23 October 2024 in light of the threat of terrorism in tourism and coastal areas. The statement said the travel alert for Arugam Bay and the southern and western coastal areas of Sri Lanka (including the cities of Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Weligama) has been raised to level 4.
“We recommend leaving these areas immediately,” the National Security Council said. For those currently living in these areas, we recommend leaving the country or at least traveling to the capital, Colombo. The number of local security forces is said to have increased.
The National Security Council said the travel alert for the rest of Sri Lanka has been raised to level three. Israelis planning to travel to Sri Lanka are advised to postpone any non-essential travel to the country, the National Security Council said. If you travel to Sri Lanka, please avoid areas with level 4 travel alerts.
Do not let anyone know that you are an Israeli citizen
The National Security Council stressed that Israelis living in Sri Lanka should be more cautious. Especially when you are in public, avoid publicly displaying anything that identifies you as an Israeli, such as a T-shirt with Hebrew writing or any symbol that shows your religion or nationality. Avoid gatherings of Israeli citizens in public places without security arrangements. Report any suspicious or unusual incidents to local security forces. Israeli security forces are in close contact with Sri Lankan security forces through relevant organizations and are monitoring developments.
